Rubin Kazan boss confirms Sunderland target Yann M’Vila is not part of his plans

Chris Young

New Rubin Kazan manager Javi Gracia has confirmed that Yann M’Vila is not part of his plans, as Sunderland strive to bring the midfielder back to Wearside.

M’Vila returned to parent club Kazan last week for the start of pre-season training after the end of his hugely successful loan spell at Sunderland.

However, M’Vila - along with four other players who spent last season out on loan - has been training separately from the rest of the first-team squad over recent days.

Gracia insists the quintet’s attitude is not in question, but says the club’s hierarchy have made it clear that they aren’t in the picture, ahead of their expected summer departures.

“When I arrived at Kazan, there was a list of players to train with the first team,” he said.

“They were not included on that list.

“I can’t say at all that I am unhappy with them, they just weren’t on the list.”

Kazan accept that they will sell M’Vila this summer, with both Sunderland and the Frenchman himself keen on a Stadium of Light return.

However, despite a permanent clause in M’Vila’s loan agreement, Sunderland are renegotiating over the asking price and the talks with Kazan could take several weeks before reaching a satisfactory conclusion.

Both Sunderland and M’Vila had hoped that with only six months remaining on his contract, Kazan would agree to terminate his deal early by mutual consent.

But it is understood that Kazan have rejected that proposal and want a significant transfer fee for the 25-year-old.